Hypnotherapy
In the field of mental health, hypnotherapy is increasingly being recognized for its distinctive combination of conversational and hypnotic techniques. As we delve into the most frequently asked questions about hypnotherapy in 2024, we aim to provide clear answers, through the intricacies of this therapeutic approach without unnecessary complexity.

Hypnotherapy is a psychological treatment that merges talk therapy with hypnosis. It can be effective in addressing mental health issues such as anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, OCD, and specific fears, while also enhancing sleep and boosting confidence and motivation. Additionally, hypnotherapy can assist in eliminating undesirable behaviors, habits, and beliefs.
Each session is augmented by hypnosis, a relaxed trance state that makes your mind more receptive to positive suggestions, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the talk therapy. This allows you to experience a period of peace and calm without anxiety. Generally, several sessions are required to achieve change; on average, about 6 to 8 sessions are needed for anxiety and stress-related issues, although some conditions may necessitate more sessions based on individual circumstances.
What can hypnotherapy help with?
Hypnotherapy has demonstrated effectiveness in addressing a variety of concerns, such as stress, anxiety, phobias, weight management, and enhancing self-esteem, as well as boosting confidence. It is also utilized to improve performance, manage pain, and treat sleep disorders.
How does Hypnotherapy work?
Hypnotherapy promotes positive changes by focusing on the subconscious mind, where transformations originate, rather than the conscious mind. If your challenges were only at the conscious level, you might have solved them on your own by creating solutions. Hypnotherapists can provide suggestions to this part of your mind during hypnosis. This approach helps bring about positive changes in thoughts, emotions, and behaviors as you work together over several sessions.
Is hypnotherapy safe?
Yes, hypnotherapy is generally considered safe when conducted by a trained and qualified professional. Each session usually includes positive talk therapy, allowing you to reflect on your progress, goals or changes beneficially before using relaxing hypnosis providing positive suggestions for beneficial change as you relax. Hypnosis (or trance state) is a natural state of mind that you enter willingly, and you remain fully in control of your actions during the session. Hypnosis cannot make you do anything you do not want to do.
Are you in control when hypnotised?
You cannot be hypnotized to do anything against your will during hypnosis; you remain completely in control and allow yourself to enter hypnosis. This means that you retain the ability to end the hypnosis session at any time because you maintain control over your thoughts and actions. If any suggestions made during hypnosis go against your values or morals, they will be rejected by you because even in a hypnotic state, you maintain your critical faculties to some extent, and so you are capable of discerning between appropriate and inappropriate suggestions. If a suggestion contradicts your values or goes against your ethical code, you will reject it. Hypnosis is a collaborative and consent-based process and, above all, a relaxing experience that many people describe as guided daydreaming.
What are the ethical considerations of hypnosis?
Professional hypnotherapists prioritise the wellbeing of their clients and are trained to avoid making suggestions that could be harmful, unethical, or against your will. I follow specific Codes of Conduct, Performance and Ethics guidelines, as well as meet certain requirements for maintaining Professional Standards, by undertaking regular supervision and training as part of my continuous professional development. You can read more about these guidelines and code of conduct as explained by AfSFH which is the only professional association dedicated to the discipline of solution-focused hypnotherapy as a member I'm able to demonstrate my personal and professional commitment to my clients and their needs during therapy.
What qualifications or credentials should I look for in an online hypnotherapist?
You should always seek out a qualified practitioner with clinical experience because the hypnotherapy profession is unregulated and every hypnotherapist is different. The National Council for Hypnotherapy or the General Hypnotherapy Register is a useful place to start if you're unsure. You can also ask the hypnotherapist you are meeting during your initial consultation about their training, qualifications, and ongoing professional development, all of which require proof and a level of professional training, a commitment to sign up to a strict code of professional standards and ethics.
How many hypnotherapy sessions are needed?
The number of hypnotherapy sessions required varies based on individual needs and the specific issues being addressed. While some individuals notice positive changes after just a few sessions, others might need more to achieve their goals. Although hypnotherapy isn't magical, it can facilitate positive change relatively quickly. Typically, for anxiety and stress-related concerns, clients average between 6 to 8 sessions to establish a solid foundation for change, with additional sessions sometimes necessary to reach desired outcomes.
Can everyone go into hypnosis?
For hypnosis to be efficient it is sufficient to experience a light trance state, as this allows suggestions to be impactful during hypnotherapy. This state enables thought processes to be addressed without the constant critical evaluation of the conscious mind as you relax. Typically, as you ease into a light trance, your brainwave patterns begin to change, with the dominant brainwave frequency shifting from the beta state (linked to wakefulness and thinking) to the alpha and theta states, which are associated with deep relaxation, creativity, Â and an internal focus. This transition enhances receptivity to suggestions, making hypnotherapy more impactful.
What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis involves guiding you into a hypnotic trance-like state. At the same time, hypnotherapy combines hypnosis with talking therapy, also known as psychotherapy. So the combination of talk therapy with hypnosis can be an effective way to overcome many issues which are made worse or caused by stress and anxiety. Combining Hypnosis with talking therapy is powerful because it creates positive changes at both the conscious and subconscious levels, which differs from many forms of traditional counselling, which is why hypnotherapy can be so beneficial. After all, a relaxed trance state during hypnosis, allows ideas and solutions discussed to be fully explored and utilised by the brain for positive benefit.
How long does hypnosis last?
A typical hypnosis session lasts approximately 60 to 90 minutes in the context of hypnotherapy sessions with a therapist, depending on your needs. The initial part of the session usually involves some discussion, talking and exploring your progress and goals positively before beginning hypnosis to provide suggestions to your subconscious mind for beneficial change.
For lasting change, you'll need more than one hypnosis session because the repetition of positive suggestions will work gradually to condition your thinking and reinforce positive changes in your mind. As you repeat hypnosis, your brain experiences neuroplasticity, strengthening neural pathways associated with desired behaviours or perceptions. The number of hypnotherapy sessions required for change differs for everyone, but you'll usually understand how many sessions are required during your initial consultation.
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